CATTLE-STEALING AT TAUPIRI

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 42, 12 May 1927, Page 9

CATTLE-STEALING AT TAUPIRI

COUGHEY PLEADS GUILTY TO ALL CHARGES (From, Our Own Correspondent.') HAMILTON, To-day. Another episode in the events connected with the disappearance of cattle from Komakorau, near Taupiri, was heard at Hamilton this morning-, when John Coughey appeared on remand before Messrs. R. C. Lightbourne and J. W. Walsh, justices of the peace, charged with the theft of 10 head of cattle from Komakorau, valued at £ 94, being the property of Rowland Paul Houghton, and 20 head of cattle, valued at £l2O, owned by David Mathers and another.

Detective Culloty conducted the case for the prosecution. David Mathers, farmer, of Komakorau, stated that lie had two farms, one of which was managed by his brother. He had on lease another property 10 miles from Komakorau, where he had 32 head of cattle. He left for the East Coast on April 20, and that was the last he saw of the stock. He returned home on April 24, and following information received, found 20 head of cattle missing from the property. On April 27 he visited Morrinsville, and discovered some of his stock on farms in the district. Accused had no authority to move the cattle.

Evidence was also given by George Mathers, brother of the previous witness, to the effect that he had seven head of cattle grazing with his brother’s stock. On April 22 witness was informed that a stock clerk had deposed to the sale of stock ori accused’s behalf at Morrinsville. He never received the proceeds. Accused’s actions appeared to be perfectly normal. Three Morrinsville farmers testified to the. purchasing of stock at the sale, the cattle afterwards being identified by the rightful owner.

Roland Paul Houghton stated that accused had been employed as a share-milker on his farm at Komakorau, until he was missing about Anzac Day. Two days later he was informed that some of his stock were missing. He found seven head at Horotiu, having been unlawfully removed.

Amos Hall said he was a farm labourer, and brother-in-law of accused. who employed him. He had never noticed Coughey strange in his behaviour.

Detective Culloty stated that a warrant was out for the arrest of accused when he gave himself up at Hamilton police station. When interviewed, accused admitted the charges.

Accused pleaded guilty to each charge, and was committed to the Auckland Supreme Court for sentence. Bail was fixed in two sureties of £IOO each.